Epidural anesthesia is initiated for a primigravida at 40 weeks gestation who is in active labor. Which assessment has the greatest priority for the practical nurse to monitor during the administration of epidural anesthesia?
Level of pain sensation.
Maternal blood pressure (BP).
Infusion pump and IV site.
Variability of fetal heart rate.
The Correct Answer is B
The greatest priority for the practical nurse to monitor during the administration of epidural anesthesia is maternal blood pressure (BP). Epidural anesthesia can cause maternal hypotension due to vasodilation and decreased venous return, which can result in decreased fetal perfusion and oxygenation. Therefore, it is important for the practical nurse to monitor maternal BP frequently and promptly report any significant changes to the healthcare provider. Options A, C, and D are also important assessments, but they are not the priority in this scenario.
Therefore, options A, C, and D are not answers because they are not the priority assessment during the administration of epidural anesthesia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The newborn assessment finding that the practical nurse (PN) should report to the charge nurse immediately for a 24-hour-old infant is a heart rate of 100 beats/minute. The normal heart rate for a newborn is between 120-160 beats/minute. A heart rate of 100 beats/minute is below the normal range and may indicate a problem such as hypothermia or an infection. The PN should report this finding to the charge nurse immediately so that appropriate action can be taken to address the issue. The other assessment findings listed may also be important to monitor, but a heart rate of 100 beats/minute is the most urgent and requires immediate attention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
An increasing trend in maternal heart rate is a sign of fetal distress, which can be a serious complication of PROM. One of the primary interventions for fetal distress is to increase oxygen delivery to the fetus. The practical nurse should initiate oxygen via face mask at 8 to 10 L/min to improve fetal oxygenation.
Contact precautions may be necessary for certain conditions, but they are not indicated for an increasing maternal heart rate.
Inserting a urinary catheter may be appropriate for monitoring output, but it is not the first priority in this situation.
Encouraging the client to push is not appropriate because the client is not in active labor and pushing can cause further complications.
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